WEST FIRES MIKE FRATELLO
Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced Thursday that Mike Fratello has been relieved of his head coaching duties. Tony Barone, the team's player personnel director, will become interim coach. All of Fratello's assistasnt coaches will stay.
Fratello led Memphis to a 95-83 record after he was hired on December 2, 2004 as the Grizzlies’ seventh head coach in team history. He led the Grizzlies to two postseason appearances, and became the franchise’s all-time winningest head coach in April. This season, Fratello led the Grizzlies to a 6-24 record.
“I’d like to thank Mike for the contributions he made to the Grizzlies organization,” said West. “He is a great coach and friend, and he did an outstanding job guiding this team to two playoff appearances in Memphis. We just felt it was time to make a change and move in a different direction based on our record and future goals. We wish Mike the best in his future endeavors.”
“I would like to thank Michael Heisley and Jerry West for the opportunity to come to Memphis and be a part of the Grizzlies organization,” said Fratello. “I came here a little more than two years ago, and in my first season inherited a 5-11 team that we turned around to win 45 games and advance to the playoffs. We built on that record the following year to win 49 games and return to the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Unfortunately, this season has been one of disarray starting this past summer. I am sorry I have not been able to find a way up to this point to turn things around, and I understand why a change needs to be made. Things will get better with both an abundance of home games coming up and the eventual return of Lawrence Roberts and Kyle Lowry from their injuries.”
“I would like to thank the many wonderful people I have met while in Memphis, both in basketball and around the community,” continued Fratello. “I’d like to thank my staff and players for their hard work over the last two seasons. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Fratello came to the Grizzlies as one of the NBA’s most successful coaches in history, ranking 19th on the all-time wins list and 21st on the all-time games coached list when he joined the team. A 16-year coaching veteran, his teams have qualified for the NBA playoffs in 11 of his 16 seasons as a head coach. He earned his 600th career win as a head coach on March 4, 2005, only the 19th coach all-time to reach the 600-win plateau.
A search for an interim head coach will begin immediately.
GRIZZLIES 06-07 SCHEDULE
GRIZZLIES NEW TICKET PRICE STRUCTURE
The Grizzlies have announced that ticket prices for the 2006-07 season, introducing the lowest priced season ticket in the NBA starting at just $5 per game. The team also announced reductions and freezes on plaza and terrace level season ticket prices, offering over half of the season ticket package options for next season at under $25 per game. Single game ticket prices will remain unchanged for the 2006-07 season.
The Grizzlies have reduced the pricing on over 6,000 season tickets, passing the benefits of being a season ticket holder on to Grizzlies fans.
- Terrace 1 season tickets have been reduced from $36 to $25 per game and with individual game tickets priced at $46.75, marking a 47% savings when purchasing season tickets.
Terrace 2 season tickets have been reduced from $26 to $20 per game, with individual game tickets priced at $34.75, producing a 42% savings when purchasing season tickets.
- Terrace 3 season tickets have been reduced from $18 to $15 per game, with individual game tickets priced at $24.75 for a 40% savings when purchasing season tickets.
Terrace 4 season tickets remain at $10 per game and with individual game tickets priced at $17.75, fans will receive a 44% savings when purchasing season tickets.
Plaza 3 seats from last season have been reclassified to plaza 4, reducing prices from $89 to $69 per games. With individual game tickets priced at $81.75, season ticket buyers will receive a 16% savings.
“All responsible businesses listen to their consumers and based on fan feedback, we have implemented both price freezes and rollbacks,” said Grizzlies President of Business Operations Andy Dolich. “The new pricing will allow fans and families, regardless of their entertainment budget, to enjoy an exciting and affordable family experience at FedExForum. The best way to follow the Grizzlies is to experience it live.”
Single game tickets for 2006-07 season will be available in the Terrace Level for $17.75, $24.75, $34.75 and $46.75 per game including a facility fee. First Tennessee Club level seating will remain at $85.75 and 105.75. Plaza Level seating will be priced at $37.75, $48.75, $61.75, $81.75, $106.75, and $138.75.
A standard for Grizzlies fans, the team will continue to offer its popular Sonic Saver seats next season. 500 Sonic Saver Seats will be available for purchase each game day beginning at noon for just $5 each.
Also, all season ticket holders both new and returning may continue to take advantage of a number of benefits including substantial savings on individual game prices, desirable seat locations, exclusive events, priority purchasing for Grizzlies games and selected FedExForum events and more. For a complete listing of season ticket holder benefits log on to www.grizzlies.com.
For more information on 2006-07 season ticket deposits, call 888-HOOP or visit grizzlies.com.
